Kris Klinger has been appointed Vice President of Campus Services within Columbia University Facilities and Operations (CUFO), Executive Vice President David M. Greenberg announced. Klinger will join Columbia on November 9.
In this role, Klinger will provide strategic leadership for a broad portfolio of services that shape the daily Columbia experience, including dining, residence halls, catering and events, transportation, the University bookstore, print and mail services, and trademark licensing.
Klinger brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education, hospitality, and auxiliary services. He has a strong track record of building high-performing teams, fostering service-oriented cultures, and aligning complex operations with institutional priorities and the student experience.
Most recently, Klinger served as Vice President for Auxiliary Services at Boston University, where he led a diverse portfolio encompassing dining, housing, transportation, retail, recreation, and event operations. Previously, he held senior leadership positions at Syracuse University and the University of Southern California (USC), overseeing campus services and initiatives supporting student life and the broader university community.
Klinger holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership, an MBA, and a bachelor’s degree from USC. He is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout the search process, Kris’s leadership approach, commitment to operational excellence, and collaborative style came through consistently,” Greenberg said. “His breadth of experience will help advance the important work ahead and build on the strong leadership already in place across Campus Services.”
Greenberg also recognized the Campus Services team for its dedication and expertise, highlighting the leadership of Vicki Dunn, Sanjay Mahajan, and Mike Pagan, and thanking Honey Sue Fishman for her stewardship during the transition.
“Campus Services touches the daily experience of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors in countless ways,” Greenberg said. “We are fortunate to have such a talented team, and I look forward to Kris partnering with colleagues across the University to build on the important work already underway to strengthen the student experience and the services that support our community.”
